REVELATION 20

We tend to forget that the victory is already won! Christ made it a point to show John, and remember, John sent warning, rebuke, and encouragement to those seven churches. They got to read what we get to read. Stay strong, Christ wins!

Here in chapter 20, that final battle with Satan is depicted, and it starts with that dragon being bound, literally imprisoned in the abyss, for 1000 years. Not coincidentally, this is the duration of the Millennial Kingdom, with Christ ruling and reigning for that same period of time.

Striking to John is the number of martyrs he sees, those who would not and did not deny Christ; they simply would not take the mark of the beast. Their reward? They are on the victorious side with Christ. They, along with all other saints prior to this time, have been made part of the first resurrection. “Blessed” is what they are called, and we do not fully grasp just what that word conveys.

As for the second resurrection? Nothing anyone would want to be a part of, yet all those along the way who have denied Christ, having never received him personally as Savior, will be a part of this. This resurrection, at the end of the 1000 years, is a literal raising of those dead unbelievers and those who were defeated at the end of the Tribulation.

Also occurring at the end of the Millennium is the release of Satan for a “short time”. During this time, he will deceive many Millennium dwellers for one final rebellion against Christ. Keep in mind, some believers are alive at the end of the Tribulation and physically enter the Millennial Kingdom (since they would not have been destroyed at the end of the Tribulation. They will have children, born to mortals, born sinners, still needing obedience to Christ for salvation. Some will apparently choose not to follow Christ, and thus are targets for Satan’s deception. This is who he will gather for rebellion.

One last time, Christ defeats Satan and those remaining loyal to him, casting them into the Lake of Fire. Those part of that second resurrection are also judged before the Great White Throne, and sentenced forever to the Lake of Fire.

SO WHAT...?

So, take heart Christian, in the end Christ wins! We win!

So, what a great story I have to tell, what a great and triumphant future lies ahead, and all Christ asks is that we believe in and follow Him, with all out heart, soul, mind, and strength. Join me in the battle today, He’ll win the final one for us later.